Preserving the Land

A robust liberal arts education seeks to move learning beyond the walls of the classroom and into the world. At Saint John’s University, a strong partnership with Saint John’s Abbey allows students to take advantage of the surrounding 2,740 acres to conduct research, participate in sustainable land use, develop leadership skills, and enjoy the richness of God’s creation.

Guided by the Benedictine value of stewardship, Saint John’s Abbey designated the lands of Saint John’s as a natural arboretum in 1997. This designation has led to the Saint John's Outdoor University becoming a regional center for environmental education and continued sustainable land usage. The Saint John's Outdoor University's educational programs annually serve over 6,500 pre K-12 students through on-site field experiences and in-class curricula.